The BEST episodes of Downton Abbey season 1

Every episode of Downton Abbey season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Downton Abbey season 1!

Downton Abbey depicts the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era—with great events in history having an effect on their lives and on the British social hierarchy.

Last Updated: 11/9/2024Network: ITV1Status: Ended
Episode 7
star
8.17
2950 votes

#1 - Episode 7

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/7/2010

The family is astonished when Lady Cora Crawley finds that she is pregnant, and the announcement leaves Mary wondering how to answer Matthew's proposal.

Directors: Brian Percival
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Episode 6
star
7.98
2965 votes

#2 - Episode 6

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/31/2010

Sybil's interest in politics gets her in trouble, Matthew and Mary's relationship takes an unexpected turn, and Bates makes a shocking revelation.

Directors: Brian Percival
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Episode 5
star
7.98
3067 votes

#3 - Episode 5

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/24/2010

Mary is introduced to a potential suitor, but she thinks that he is too old and stuffy - meanwhile, Mrs Patmore fears she may be going blind.

Directors: Brian Kelly
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Episode 2
star
7.95
3316 votes

#4 - Episode 2

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/3/2010

Matthew and his mother Isobel arrive at Downton, but trouble lies ahead as doctor's widow Isobel immediately finds her views at odds with Violet's.

Directors: Ben Bolt
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Episode 3
star
7.93
3165 votes

#5 - Episode 3

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/10/2010

Mary is instantly attracted to handsome Turkish attache Kemal Pamuk, but their romance is cut brutally short and sends ripples of unease through the house.

Directors: Ben Bolt
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Episode 1
star
7.92
3763 votes

#6 - Episode 1

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/26/2010

It is April 1912, and news arrives of the sinking of the Titanic with the loss of Downton's heir James and his son Patrick.

Directors: Brian Percival
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Episode 4
star
7.87
3372 votes

#7 - Episode 4

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/17/2010

Violet and Isobel are in conflict over a medical ailment affecting Molesley, and Carson fears that there is a thief at Downton.

Directors: Brian Kelly
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV